The Group’s businesses operate independently with certain centralised services provided by the group.
Our Growth Strategy
The group grows in each of its business sectors through acquiring asset-light operating companies and through bolt-on acquisitions of related assets. Through its operational control, the group directs strategy, provides funding and implements its standard financial control procedures. At all times, operational control remains with extremely dedicated, key people who manage each business. That is the strength of our operating model.
Our Differentiated Approach
We have a strong track record of acquiring from larger operators (quoted and private) seeking to dispose of non-core businesses or assets, as well as owners of smaller businesses looking for an exit. We typically seek to acquire assets or take controlling stakes in businesses, but we have also entered into successful JVs, partnerships and minority investments with a strong investment case. We are ready to acquire or partner with other owners and investors.
We operate a flexible and scalable model that enables acquired brands, large and small, to integrate with the wider group. Our experienced management team has proven integration expertise. The Enthuse Group management approach and our platform enable a shared cultural identity, and common operating processes and financial infrastructure.
The key to our approach is that we empower people to make decisions that will grow their businesses.
Key Strengths
- Market leading businesses
- A proven and scalable business model that can readily integrate new businesses on our common platform.
- A highly-experienced founder and entrepreneurial management team. We have over 50 years combined experience of acquiring, operating and integrating businesses.
- Strong and diverse customer relationships.
- A digital infrastructure to develop new opportunities.
Who We Are
The management team has over 50 years of experience in acquiring and operating successful media franchises. It uses its experience and relationships to identify investment opportunities.
Owen Davies
Chair and Co-Founder
Owen Davies has wide-ranging M&A and corporate restructuring experience in the media sector and has worked in partnership with three investors, Endless LLP, Exponent LLP and Chrysalis VCT plc. He has extensive experience in media and was Group Finance Director of Highbury House Communications plc, Managing Director of the Daily Mail Group New Media, and Group Finance Director of Northcliffe Newspapers. He was previously employed by the FMCG groups Bass plc and Unilever plc.
Timeline
2023
Enthuse acquires all the print, digital and event brands from DC Thomson’s Aceville Publications
2022
Enthuse sells four hobby magazines to Mortons Media
2021
Enthuse buys-back the equity of its minority investor, Chrysalis VCT plc.
2019
Enthuse acquires majority stake in Shield Wall Media LLC, a publisher of trade construction magazines and a trade construction show based in the US.
2019
Enthuse acquires 51% of AA Media and enters partnership with The AA plc
2018
Acquisition of three magazines and websites in the US from The Enthusiast Network.
2018
Acquisition of The North of England Woodworking & Power Tool Show and Woodworking News magazine from Nelton Group.
2017
Acquisition of David Hall Publishing Ltd, a family owned publisher of fishing magazines.
2016
Acquisition of a portfolio of craft magazine communities acquired from Traplet Publications Ltd
2014
Launch of the annual Hi-Fi Show in Windsor, UK.
2014
Exponent Private Equity sold its shareholding in the Group.
2013
SafeShip Fulfilment Ltd established to acquire dollshouse.com, the leading dolls house e-commerce business.
2012
Acquisition of mags-uk.com including an e-commerce, warehousing and fulfilment operation.
2011
Hi-Fi Choice and Home Cinema Choice magazines and websites acquired from Future plc
2010
Hi-Fi News, Stamp magazine and Model Collector communities acquired from Time Inc.
2010
The group raised growth capital from Chrysalis VCT
2009
The group is demerged from Magicalia
2007
Acquisition of Good Woodworking from Future plc
2006
Exponent Private Equity bought Endless out of the business and merged it with its existing Magicalia online content business
2006
The Group is formed through a buy-out of 7 hobby magazine titles from Highbury House Communications, led by Owen Davies and Peter Harkness and funded by Endless LLP.